Class Descriptions

	Children's Program • Teen & Adult Programs Children's Program… Rhythm & Movement • Dance Forms • Ballet • Pointe • Tap • Jazz • Hip Hop Our program is designed to introduce dance in an exciting, but disciplined environment. In young children's classes, movement stories are used to encourage openness, confidence, creativity and exploration. Each level includes a progressive curriculum built upon the previous level’s foundation. Class levels do not correspond to the student’s age or grade in school. Frequently it takes more than one year to complete levels 4-9.
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	Rhythm & Movement Level 1: Ages 3-4 Level 2: Ages 4	This fun, energetic class introduces children to the joy of dance, and focuses on creative movement, rhythm training, enriching the imagination, and increasing confidence and expression. Students also learn basic motor skills such as skipping, marching and galloping. Level 2 students must be four years old.
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	Dance Forms Ages 5-6	This class is divided into half hour dance segments of ballet and tap, and introduces children to the fundamentals in a fun, upbeat environment. A great class to get your little one moving! Students need both ballet and tap shoes.
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	Ballet Discovery • Tap Rhythms Ages 6-7	These classes meet once per week. Students may enroll in one or both classes. Basic vocabulary, fundamentals and proper placement are taught. Students develop the ability to recognize and describe positions and sequences of movement. These classes focus on technique development, coordination skills, alignment, rhythm, balance, and working as a group.
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	Ballet • Tap • Jazz Ages 7-12 Beginner - Advanced Levels Hip Hop Ages 8+	These classes are designed to advance the student in his/her dance education. Students may enroll in one or more classes. Movement vocabulary is expanded and more complex combinations are taught at each level. All students are strongly encouraged to study ballet since it is the foundation of all dance forms and necessary for proper progression in tap and jazz. Upper levels are determined by ballet experience. Private lessons available.
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	Teen/Adult Program… Teen/Adult classes are as varied as the people attending them--men and women, young and “not so young”, from all walks of life. Some are returning to dance, and others are in class dancing for the first time. Whether developing a foundation in ballet; making their feet” talk” in tap; toning and conditioning in jazz and modern; or popping in hip hop, the common element is fun!
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	Ballet • Tap • Jazz • Modern • Teen Hip Hop • Adults Only Hip Hop Beginner - Advanced Levels	Dance technique classes improve flexibility, rhythm, strength, alignment, and coordination. Students may enroll in one or more classes. Beginner classes are perfect for students trying dance for the first time or those ready to come back to dance! Intermediate and advanced classes are for students with previous dance experience. Private lessons available.
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	Pointe	Pointe study may begin at age 12 or 13. Dancers must have had a solid, continuous study of ballet technique for the body to build sufficient strength for pointe class. If begun too early, it can permanently damage the feet. Readiness is at the discretion of the faculty and is based on strength, training, foot structure, concentration and commitment. Pointe shoes must be checked for proper fit by the teacher before ribbons are sewn on. We recommend students are fit for shoes at The Dancer’s Shop in New Haven, and purchase The Pointe Book: Shoes, Training & Technique by Sarah Schlesinger & Janice Barringer.

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